California's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Vista

Tried this place based on the great online reviews and was not disappointed. Wonderful aromas greet you when you enter this old-school mom and pop place. I tried three tacos: Adobada (pork, similar to al pastor), Carne Asada (beef) and Pollo Asado (chicken). All very delicious and fresh. I especially liked both the red and green sauces that came with them. Rich, delicious flavor and not too hot. In fact, on the mild side, but with bright chile flavor, which is great by me. They included a very generous amount of grilled onions, fresh lime, a whole roasted chile, spicy pickled carrots, fresh chips and salsa. Tacos were three bucks a piece and well worth it. Staff was friendly and helpful. No dining on premises now, either indoor or out, so take it with you or eat in the car like I did. I will definitely be back to try...

They actually have an OPEN RESTROOM in back of taco shop so you can wash your hands before eating. I don't think I'd use the restroom for much beyond that as it's an older building and pretty grungy. Food is good, they give you fresh chips and salsa with your order which is cool. taco shop is also a bit unkempt but cooking area seems like they try to keep it clean. It's so small you order and food prep area is literally right behind cash register. So you can see the cook, which is good since building is grungy, you can see cook being hygienic and you get the idea they're prob renting and can't do anything about state of building but they're still clean and careful with your food. I'd give a higher rating for the food like 4 stars but the location is what dropped...

I first went here in 2017 when I was on the food circuit. I actually recently went here earlier this year.

It is one of the odd restaurants that are on the outskirts of Vista close to the border with the County of San Diego. It is tied up with Ruiz Liquor, and there used to be the old Shell station across this location.

Spot is pretty small on the inside, but there is also outdoor patio seating which has a great view of Camp Pendleton.

The menu is fairly stereotypical of your basic Mexican spot so do not be surprised what you see on there. It has a fairly extensive menu.

Food is great, tasty and is freshly made, and the kitchen is attached to the front, so you can see it being made.

I would recommend checking this out if you are a Vista native, a local or...